Long-awaited goal gives McManus his confidence back

Matthew Elder

Raith Rovers striker Declan McManus gave himself a much-needed confidence boost after scoring his first league goal since October in the midweek defeat to Hibs.

McManus admits himself that he has been a shadow of the player he hoped to be at Stark’s Park this season after enduring a long barren run in front of goal.

The loan striker’s work-rate for the side has never been in question, but he looked back to his best at Easter Road after firing home his sixth of the season and was unlucky not to score another after hitting the post.

With some self-belief starting to return, the 22-year-old hopes to play a crucial role in helping the club avoid relegation.

“That’s probably the first time that Raith Rovers fans have seen me how I know I can play,” McManus explained.

“That’s probably due to getting a goal and playing with that bit of confidence again.

“It’s been building. I’ve been feeling better recently with the new manager, and hopefully I can take that into Saturday as well and perform the same way I did in the second half, and the same goes for the rest of the boys.”

After a confident start to the season, McManus admitted that he has had to battle his own demons as the club slipped down the table into the relegation mire.

“For me, football is 90 per cent confidence,” he said. “When I’m confident I know how well I can play and how much I can affect a game.

“But if I’m honest I’ve not been confident, and most of the boys are probably the same, with the situation we’re in.

“It’s hard to be at your best when you’re under a lot of pressure and things just don’t seem to drop for you.

“Personally I’ll take a lot of confidence from how I played against Hibs, and getting a goal.

“I’m just hoping we can replicate the second half performance in the last two games.”